Local 689 Statement - NTSB Release of Final Report on 2021 WMATA Train Derailment

ATU Local 689 released the following statement in response to the Final Report issued by the NTSB on the October 12, 2021 WMATA Train Derailment.

“27 months ago leading up to and then following the derailment, Local 689 members acted admirably and responsibly to protect passengers. Thankfully, there were no fatalities or serious injuries and the Union commends the First Responders for their swift response. The Union is troubled by the final report’s conclusion about the railcar’s wheel migration on and off the rails that ultimately caused the derailment. Local 689 is committed to partnering with WMATA and stakeholders to address the core roots of the accident and taking steps to prevent future ones. 

For the first time, the Authority included a Union representative in the formal investigative process led by the NTSB. This was a great step in the right direction to improve transparency and the Union is hopeful this will be the case moving forward.”